When Adam Seger called to suggest we do a “How To” on beertails, I thought, ‘you want to tell the tale of how beer came to be?’ But the Chicago mixologist, hum creator and bon vivant was talking about combining craft beer with handcrafted cocktails, a category of beverages I’ve only recently become aware … Continued
In the short time Longman & Eagle has been open in Logan Square, its already nabbed a Michelin star, had several appearances on national TV programs like “Unique Eats,” and has become one of the city’s preeminent sources for brown liquors. Bartender Derek Alexander is particularly fond of Rittenhouse rye, and has come up … Continued
You don’t have to be a Green Bay Packers fan to be cheesy. Just walk into any of the three Chicago locations of Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine, and you’ll be able to geek out on all the chèvre, reblochon and gruyère you care to. Among the skills I think are crucial to … Continued
Chicago’s first snow storm of the season might be keeping some people at home this weekend, so I thought, what a perfect time to have an expert illustrate how to make the perfect omelet. The folks at Meli Cafe certainly know how to make a great one – they do it hundreds of times … Continued
Blackbird’s reputation as one of Chicago’s best restaurants has typically been a result of the food. But over the past year, their Mixologist – Lynn House – has been blazing a trail for the restaurant’s cocktail program as well. We asked her to show us how to make a classic drink, but she put … Continued
I love a good holiday cocktail, but the truth is, eggnog has become a bit of a cliché, especially at holiday parties. A cousin to the brandy milk punch of New Orleans, this only-in-December concoction always seems to have too much cream and nutmeg, not enough structure or depth. So we turned to Eric … Continued
How many times have you opened up the fridge, craving some guacamole, only to discover that, besides the one mealy avocado you have left on the counter, the cilantro you bought over the weekend has already started turning black and slimy. It’s a common problem for us cilantro lovers, and one that can be … Continued
The gougère (pronounced goo-ZHERE) is one of those little amuses or hors d’oeuvres that I always love seeing at a party. Perfect with a glass of champagne or prosecco, it typically signals there are going to be wonderful things ahead that evening. Made from a choux pastry (butter, water, flour, eggs) it is always combined … Continued
Want to impress your uncle or cousin who suddenly has a thing for classic cocktails this Thanksgiving? Here it is, complements of Tony Abou-Ganim, author of The Modern Mixologist. Tony was in Chicago last week, and showed me how to make this cocktail, which has just three ingredients (bar spoon optional, but recommended). Note: … Continued
I realize not all ciders are equal. While I love nothing more than drinking the unfiltered juice of apples straight off a cider press, sometimes the situation calls for something a bit more, how shall I say, inspired? Fortunately, the guys over at Tenzing – a Chicago-based wine and spirits company – are constantly … Continued
Cooking en papillote – or in parchment paper – has long been a preferred method of steaming fish and vegetables, while also providing a semi-dramatic tableside presentation. At Langdon Hall, tucked away in the countryside of Cambridge, Ontario (about an hour from the Toronto airport), Chef Jonathan Gushue loves to cook this way, which … Continued